WHELAN AIMS TO LAND A DOUBLE
CALLUM Whelan wants Gateshead to embrace the pressure as Rob Elliot’s side push for success on two fronts during the final month of the season.
An impressive win at National League play-off rivals Altrincham last weekend was followed up by a stunning 7-1 destruction of northeast neighbours Hartlepool United in midweek and a 1-0 win over Rochdale on Friday sent the Tynesiders up to fourth in the table.
However, their bid for success also extends into the Isuzu FA Trophy where they entertain NPL Premier club Macclesfield in the semi-final on Saturday.
Former Manchester United academy midfielder Whelan is excited by the prospect of what lies ahead and urged his team-mates to enjoy facing the challenges they will face between now and the end of the campaign.
“It’s a massive few weeks ahead but it’s exciting for us,” he told The NLP. “We have just got to enjoy the pressure and relish the opportunities that lie ahead of us.
“Last year, we finished really well so we always knew we could give more this year. We have a lot of players back from injury now so we know we have a lot of quality no matter which eleven lads go out there.
“It’s now just about pushing on and enjoying what will hopefully be a successful end to the season.”
One of the most surprising aspects of Gateshead’s season has been their ability to bounce back from a setback. From last season’s squad which produced a solid first season back in Non-League’s top tier, the likes of Adam Campbell, Owen Bailey and Stephen Wearne have all departed to EFL clubs.
Loan signings Archie Mair, Kyran Lofthouse and Billy Chadwick were recalled by parent clubs before moving on elsewhere and the likes of Greg Olley, Kenton Richardson and Robbie Tinkler all spent time on the sidelines with serious injuries.
Perhaps the biggest blow of all came when the management team Mike Williamson and Ian Watson were tempted away by League Two MK Dons in October – but Whelan believes the culture that has been built at the club has helped the Heed to the brink of a potentially special end to a memorable season.
He said: “The players that have signed at this club and the staff we have are just good people in general.
“People leaving, they were good people too and we wish them all of the best but the lads that have come in have just added to the group.
“There is a really good core here. People like Greg (Olley), Tinks (Robbie Tinkler), Mags (Carl Magnay) have been here ages and they have kept a really strong culture for everyone else to buy into.
“Rob stepped in to be the manager and he has been brilliant alongside Louis (Storey) and Mags.
“We knew what was in there but it was always going to be tough - so we are just so happy we are doing so well.”